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The LSU football program signed 21 new players on Wednesday as part of the early signing period. They currently hold a Top 10 class according to On3 Sports.
That said, the group could’ve been even more special had they been able to haul in some more big fish. The Tigers missed out on a trio of five-star prospects, with two spurning Brian Kelly on signing day.
NIL was the reported cause of those denials as each supposedly jumped at more lucrative offers from other programs. Bryce Underwood, the top-rated player in the class, made headlines in late November by flipping to Michigan. He’d been committed to the Tigers for almost a year. He backed off after receiving a $12 million deal from the Wolverines.
LSU offered $1.5 million per year. There was not much they could do!
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Unfortunately, it was a recurring theme for Kelly and Co. this month. Five-star defensive back Kade Phillips had also been a longtime Tiger commit. He went as far as to shut down his recruitment in the days leading up to his signing. Then, Texas swooped in and stole him away!
In-state star Jahkeem Stewart, meanwhile, chose to play for USC as opposed to LSU. Once considered the top prospect in his 2026 class, he recently reclassified to join the ’25 cycle. Despite being the closest major program, the Tigers lost out on Stewart’s talents.
Matt Moscona of LouisianaSports.Net filled followers in on what transpired in NIL negotiations. The Tigers fell short in each instance!
Underwood’s offer from Michigan is unmatchable for most college football programs. Phillips and Stewart, however, were a bit closer in price. In both cases, LSU couldn’t (or wouldn’t) top the number.
Fiscal responsibility isn’t about depriving yourself of all nice things. It’s about avoiding unnecessary excess.
LSU recently excused itself from a bidding war for two high profile prospects, and it was absolutely the right decision in both cases…
Jahkeem Stewart chose USC over LSU when the Trojans gave him two million reasons per season to head west…According to sources, LSU offered Stewart an NIL deal worth $1.25 million per season. USC went to $2 million per season…
Five-star cornerback Kade Phillips flipped to Texas when the Longhorns made a $1 million offer. According to the same sources, LSU held firm at $800,000.
-Matt Moscona
Brian Kelly spoke to the media about his signing day after securing the majority of his signatures. He blasted the current state of college football.
Brian Kelly opened up his Early Signing Period press conference by talking about the new NIL era.
Kelly said for some prospects, “It’s not just about finding the right fit … it’s about the most money I can get. That’s unfortunate, but it’s the world we live in.”
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 4, 2024
NIL has grown out of control in recent years, though the NCAA is finally doing something to reel things back in a bit. Ohio State reportedly spent $20 million on its 2024 roster. Oregon is said to have an unlimited NIL budget. One Colorado staffer supposedly tried to negotiate a deal with Saudi Arabia to boost recruiting funds. It’s truly been the wild, wild west!
Brian Kelly wants to see things reined in. He refuses to overspend. We’ll see how it works out for this particular class very soon.